12 Apr Childlike Faith
YL* is a secondary school teacher, field worker, and home guardian at a centre that works with various young refugees. She is a caretaker for young girls at a shelter, making sure they are all fed, cared for, and guided in their schoolwork. She also takes time to pray with and for the girls under her charge.
She shares a sweet experience she recently had with Sita*, a young girl under her care, who is also a new believer. Overall, Sita is an obedient and helpful girl, always helping with household chores. Her mother is a single mum and whenever her mum is busy, Sita is always at hand to help take care of the baby, showering the baby, and feeding her.
By nature, Sita is introverted and generally quiet. She always refuses to pray in front of people because she becomes nervous and too shy. As a result, Sita usually prays quietly on her own and for the most part, is rather reserved. However, YL continually spends time for her and prays with her – hoping she will slowly step out of her comfort zone. Time and care are usually what most of the children at the shelter need.
Recently, YL decided to bring Sita along for a home visit to see some new students and then to check in on a friend who was unwell. Sita was initially shy and awkward but slowly, she tried to talk to some of the students and then, she began to share about her life in the shelter.
Shortly after that, they went to visit YL’s sick friend. On the way, Sita, who knew the friend was sick, decided to pluck a flower for the friend and when they arrived, gave the flower to her and said “I love you” in Chinese to the friend. The friend was very immensely touched by her actions. This gesture was also quite out of character for Sita!
They spent some time there, sang some worship songs and before they left, YL asked Sita if she would like to pray for the friend (knowing she might say no). To her surprise, Sita agreed and prayed a simple but touching prayer. YL was touched by her childlike faith and remembered the bible verses from Matthew 18:2 – 4: “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
YL is so grateful to see the small but significant and gradual changes in Sita – both in her spiritual growth and in her life, even at such a young age. She prays that Sita will continue to grow in God’s Word and be an encouragement and blessing to all those around her.
*names changed to protect privacy